INTERPOL operates across 196 member countries and plays a key role in international police cooperation. Understanding INTERPOL’s rules is essential when challenging a Red Notice or seeking deletion of data recorded in INTERPOL’s files.
INTERPOL Explained: Legal Framework, the CCF, and Misuse of Notices
INTERPOL circulates notices and diffusions used by police authorities worldwide. This page explains INTERPOL’s legal framework, the role of the CCF, and how misuse can affect individuals.
If you need help challenging a notice or diffusion, see our INTERPOL legal services.
Learn About INTERPOL
INTERPOL's Legal Framework
- INTERPOL’s Constitution sets out INTERPOL’s mandate, structure, and core principles, including neutrality and the prohibition on activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character.
- The Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD) govern how personal data and notices (including Red Notices) are recorded, reviewed, circulated, and retained within INTERPOL’s information systems, including requirements for accuracy, relevance, and data quality.
The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF)
- The CCF is an independent body responsible for ensuring that INTERPOL’s processing of personal data complies with applicable INTERPOL rules. It handles requests to access, correct, or delete data recorded in INTERPOL’s files, and is organised into two chambers: a Supervisory and Advisory Chamber and a Requests Chamber that decides individual cases, including applications for revision.
Types of INTERPOL Notices
An overview of Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and other notices, and what each is used for.
For step-by-step guidance on challenging notices and diffusions through CCF proceedings, see our guides
Misuses of INTERPOL's Channels
Concerns have arisen about the use of INTERPOL channels for purposes beyond legitimate criminal justice, including political misuse. Otherside assists individuals targeted by abusive notices and diffusions.
Political Cases
The practice of some member countries utilizing Red Notices for political aims, instead of legitimate criminal justice purposes, has been a persistent problem. This misuse often targets political opponents, dissidents, and activists, effectively internationalizing domestic political disputes in direct violation of Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which strictly forbids any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious, or racial character.
Impact on Human Rights
Individuals impacted by misuse of INTERPOL’s channels may face unjust detention and complex legal battles, adversely affecting their freedom of movement, reputation, and rights to a fair trial and presumption of innocence. Furthermore, the risks of arbitrary detention, along with the possibility of torture or inhumane treatment in some jurisdictions, significantly amplify the violation of individual rights.
”It is strictly forbidden for the Organization to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character.
Article 3INTERPOL's Constitution
Addressing Misuses
At Otherside, we specialize in addressing and contesting such misuses of INTERPOL's channels.
Our expertise lies in handling the complexities of these cases, advocating for the rights of those unjustly targeted, and challenging wrongful Red Notices.
If a notice appears abusive or politically motivated, our INTERPOL legal services cover CCF access, deletion, and provisional measures.